Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant - In-Home Sales Pro

Company: SPF Screens & Awnings

Location: Raleigh, NC, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / GTM (Go-To-Market)

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 2-5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (In-home sales with potential for remote work for administrative tasks)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth by conducting in-home sales consultations for premium retractable awnings and motorized sunscreens.

• Achieve and exceed aggressive sales targets through a consultative, value-based selling approach, aiming for a high close rate.

• Manage a personal sales pipeline from initial appointment to installation, ensuring disciplined follow-up and CRM hygiene.

• Leverage strong presentation and closing skills to secure one-call closes and maximize deal value.

• Operate autonomously within an assigned territory, generating additional revenue through referrals and repeat business.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements clearly indicate a high-performing sales role focused on closing deals, not traditional design consulting. The emphasis on "closer's seat," "one-call close process," and "revenue goals" firmly places this within a sales operations and GTM context, emphasizing the execution of sales strategies and processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct 2-4 qualified, pre-set in-home appointments daily, delivering professional and consultative presentations that highlight product value and benefits.

• Confidently lead the sales process, overcoming objections and driving decisive buying outcomes, with a strong focus on one-call closes.

• Maintain meticulous CRM pipeline management, ensuring all client interactions, quotes, and follow-ups are accurately logged and strategically managed.

• Proactively manage assigned territory, nurturing relationships to generate referrals, repeat business, and local partnerships to drive additional revenue.

• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, production, installation) to ensure a seamless customer experience from sale to project completion.

• Continuously analyze personal sales performance against key metrics (close rate, monthly sales volume) and identify areas for improvement.

• Stay updated on product knowledge, market trends, and competitor offerings to effectively position SPF Screens & Awnings solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "supporting nearby territories when needed" suggests a collaborative sales environment and a willingness to contribute to broader team success, aligning with GTM operational principles of shared goals and resource flexibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not specified; focus is on demonstrated sales experience and performance.

Experience: 2-5+ years of high-ticket, consultative sales experience. In-home sales background is highly preferred. Proven track record of consistently overachieving revenue goals, ideally in a commission-based role.

Required Skills:

• High-Ticket Consultative Sales: Ability to engage homeowners, understand their needs, and present premium solutions that justify higher price points.

• Closing Expertise: Proven ability to confidently ask for the sale, overcome objections effectively without relying on heavy discounts, and achieve one-call closes.

• CRM Proficiency: Expert-level management of sales pipelines within a CRM system (specific CRM not listed, but proficiency is key).

• Presentation & Communication Skills: Polished, confident, and persuasive presentation style tailored for in-home environments. Excellent verbal and written communication.

• Time & Territory Management: Self-discipline to manage a schedule, travel efficiently within an assigned territory, and prioritize follow-up activities.

• Performance Orientation: Thrives in a metrics-driven environment, taking ownership of results and demonstrating resilience in both wins and losses.

• Self-Motivation: Ability to operate autonomously with minimal supervision and a strong internal drive for success.

Preferred Skills:

• In-Home Sales Experience: Direct experience selling in customers' homes is a significant advantage.

• Referral Generation: Ability to cultivate and leverage customer relationships for ongoing business.

• Basic Design Acumen: Understanding of how outdoor living spaces can be enhanced through product design and functionality.

• Product Demonstration Skills: Ability to effectively showcase product features and benefits in a real-world setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "2-5+ years of high-ticket, consultative sales experience" and the emphasis on being a "closer's seat" and "not a training role" suggest that candidates with a demonstrable history of success in similar sales environments will be prioritized. The mention of "premium pricing" and avoiding "heavy discounts" implies a need for strong value-selling capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Performance Track Record: Documented evidence of consistently exceeding sales quotas and revenue targets, ideally with specific figures and growth percentages.

• Case Studies of Successful Sales: Examples of how you've closed complex deals, particularly in high-ticket or in-home sales environments, detailing the challenges, your approach, and the successful outcome.

• CRM Usage Examples: Demonstration of how you manage your sales pipeline, track leads, schedule follow-ups, and utilize CRM data for strategic decision-making (e.g., screenshots or process descriptions).

• Value-Based Selling Approach: Articulation of your methodology for presenting value over price, including techniques for understanding customer needs and tailoring solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Sales Process Flow: Ability to describe your personal sales process from initial contact through closing, including key stages, touchpoints, and decision-making criteria.

• Follow-Up Strategies: Documentation of your systematic approach to follow-up for issued quotes and leads to maximize conversion rates.

• Referral & Partnership Strategies: Examples of how you've successfully generated new business through existing clients or local collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a sales execution role rather than a traditional operations strategy role, the "portfolio" will likely focus on demonstrating past sales success, closing ability, and effective pipeline management. The emphasis is on execution and results rather than process design or system implementation documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Average Annual Income (DCs not yet maximizing territory): $80,000 - $90,000

• Top Performers (Uncapped Commission): $150,000 - $250,000+ Annually

• Training Period: Paid training (2 weeks) followed by salary + commission during ramp-up (10 weeks).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health: Medical, Dental, Vision insurance.

• Income Protection: Life Insurance, Short-term disability, Accident insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a 6% company match.

• Vehicle Support: $500 monthly car allowance + toll reimbursement.

• Sales Enablement Tools: Sales iPad, product samples, and professional measuring equipment provided.

Working Hours: Full-time, 5 days per week. Must be available for weekend and evening sales appointments, reflecting the nature of in-home sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation structure is heavily commission-based, with a significant earning potential for top performers. The outlined salary ranges are based on the provided information and industry benchmarks for experienced, high-performing sales professionals in similar roles. The Raleigh, NC location typically aligns with these figures, considering the cost of living and demand for skilled sales talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Products & Home Improvement / Window Coverings & Outdoor Living Solutions. SPF Screens & Awnings operates within the broader Hunter Douglas family, a world leader in window coverings and architectural products.

Company Size: Part of the Hunter Douglas family, which is a large, established global manufacturer. SPF Screens & Awnings itself is a significant player in its specific market segments (retractable awnings, motorized sunscreens) across multiple states.

Founded: SPF Screens & Awnings has been in operation for over 15 years, building on Hunter Douglas's 100+ years of innovation.

Team Structure:

• Sales Team: The role is part of a dedicated sales team focused on in-home consultations and closing deals. The team operates with a degree of autonomy within assigned territories.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close interaction with marketing (lead generation), production, and installation teams to ensure seamless customer delivery.

• Support Structure: Marketing provides pre-set appointments, and leadership offers recognition and rewards for performance.

Methodology:

• Performance-Driven: Emphasis on clear metrics, revenue goals, and performance-based compensation.

• Value-Based Selling: Focus on presenting product value and consultative solutions rather than price alone.

• Team Support: While autonomous, there's an underlying ethos of mutual support and shared success ("no ‘I’ in team, but there is an ‘us’ in success").

Company Website: https://www.hunterdouglas.com/ (for Hunter Douglas), [SPF Screens & Awnings specific information would be beneficial if available, but the description implies a strong brand presence within its niche.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as driven, intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial, with a focus on accelerated growth opportunities and a hunger for success. This aligns with a high-performance sales culture where individual contribution is valued and rewarded.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an individual contributor role at an experienced sales level, often referred to as a "closer" or "senior sales consultant." It's positioned as a "closer's seat," indicating it's not an entry-level or training position, but rather for established sales professionals.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, sales consultants typically report to a Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director who oversees territory performance and sales targets.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant is a direct revenue driver. Their success directly impacts the company's sales figures, market share, and overall profitability within their territory. They are the front-line ambassadors of the brand and its value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Territory Maximization: The primary growth opportunity is to fully develop and dominate an assigned sales territory, significantly increasing income potential.

• Leadership Potential: Top performers may have opportunities to move into sales management roles, mentoring new consultants, or leading a sales team.

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in specific product lines or customer segments.

• Referral Network Expansion: Building a strong personal referral network can lead to sustained high performance and income.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant income growth potential through uncapped commissions and territory development. The emphasis on "long-term territory ownership" suggests stability and the ability to build a substantial business within a defined area, which is a key driver for ambitious sales professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is primarily an in-home sales role, meaning the primary "office" is the customer's residence. However, there will be administrative tasks, follow-ups, and potentially team meetings that may require working from a home office or a designated company office/co-working space.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Raleigh, NC, serving the surrounding territory. While there might not be a traditional physical office for daily work, the company operates within North Carolina.

Workspace Context:

• Field-Based: The majority of the work is conducted remotely, traveling to customer appointments.

• Tools Provided: Candidates are equipped with a sales iPad, product samples, and measuring equipment, facilitating efficient in-home presentations and sales processes.

• Marketing Support: The company provides a steady stream of pre-set, qualified appointments, reducing the need for cold prospecting and allowing consultants to focus on selling.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 5 days per week, with a requirement for evening and weekend availability to accommodate customer schedules. This flexibility is crucial for maximizing sales opportunities in a residential market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement designation reflects the blend of in-home field work and potential remote administrative tasks. The availability for evenings and weekends is a critical aspect of this role's work environment, directly tied to customer accessibility and sales success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call to assess sales experience, communication skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• In-Depth Interview: A more comprehensive interview, potentially with a Sales Manager, focusing on sales methodology, closing techniques, and handling objections. This may involve role-playing scenarios.

• Skills Demonstration/Presentation: Candidates might be asked to present a mock sales pitch or demonstrate their approach to a specific sales challenge, showcasing their consultative and closing abilities.

• Field Ride-Along (Potential): A successful candidate might participate in a ride-along with an experienced consultant to observe real-world interactions.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader to confirm cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For any sales success examples, provide specific numbers (e.g., "increased close rate by 15%," "generated $X in monthly sales").

• Showcase Closing Skills: Be prepared to articulate your closing strategies and how you overcome common objections in high-ticket sales.

• Demonstrate CRM Management: Explain how you use CRM to manage your pipeline, forecast sales, and ensure consistent follow-up.

• Highlight Consultative Approach: Detail how you identify customer needs and tailor your product recommendations to provide value.

• Focus on Value Proposition: Emphasize how you articulate the benefits and ROI of premium products, rather than focusing on price discounts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Objection Handling: Prepare for scenarios where customers push back on price or features. Practice responding with value-based solutions.

• Closing Techniques: Be ready to demonstrate your ability to confidently ask for the sale and guide the customer to a decision.

• Pipeline Management Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would prioritize leads, manage follow-ups, and forecast sales within a territory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on this being a "closer's seat" means the interview process will heavily scrutinize a candidate's ability to close deals, manage their pipeline, and perform in a commission-driven environment. A strong portfolio highlighting quantifiable sales achievements and successful closing strategies will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Essential for pipeline management, lead tracking, appointment scheduling, and customer communication. Proficiency in a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system) is critical.

• Sales iPad: Used for presentations, product catalogs, measuring tools, and potentially order entry.

• Product Samples & Measuring Equipment: Essential for in-home consultations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Likely provided by the company to track key metrics like close rate, revenue, and appointment volume.

• CRM Reporting Features: Candidates will need to utilize CRM reporting to track their own performance and identify trends.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: The central tool for managing the entire sales cycle from lead to close.

• Potential for communication tools: Email, phone systems, and potentially messaging apps for internal and external communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific CRM details are not provided, expertise in managing a sales pipeline within a robust CRM system is a non-negotiable requirement. The use of an iPad for sales presentations and data management is also a key technological component.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Performance: A strong emphasis on achieving and exceeding goals, with performance being the primary driver for compensation and recognition.

• Integrity & Value: Commitment to delivering genuine value to customers through premium products and consultative selling, rather than relying on discounts.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: While an individual contributor role, there's an expectation of supporting colleagues and contributing to overall team success.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a polished, confident, and persuasive demeanor in customer interactions and in managing one's territory.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouragement to own one's territory and drive business growth as if it were their own.

Collaboration Style:

• Autonomous Execution: Consultants are expected to manage their territories and sales cycles independently.

• Supportive Environment: A culture where team members can rely on each other and leadership provides resources and recognition.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effective communication with marketing for lead flow, and with production/installation for order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes a culture that values drive, intelligence, creativity, and entrepreneurship. For operations and GTM professionals, this translates to an environment that rewards initiative, data-driven decision-making (in terms of sales performance), and a focus on efficient execution of sales processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Ticket Sales Objections: Effectively overcoming customer concerns related to price and justifying the premium value proposition.

• Maintaining Consistency: Consistently achieving high close rates and revenue targets in a performance-driven, commission-heavy role.

• Territory Management: Efficiently covering an assigned geographical area and managing a high volume of appointments.

• Adaptability to Customer Schedules: Balancing personal work-life balance with the necessity of evening and weekend appointments.

• Competition: Differentiating premium products in a market that may have lower-priced alternatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Sales Techniques: Continuous training and coaching on consultative selling, negotiation, and closing strategies for high-ticket items.

• Product Expertise: Deepening knowledge of retractable awnings, motorized sunscreens, and related outdoor living solutions.

• Territory Development: Learning strategies for building a strong referral base and local partnerships to maximize long-term income.

• Potential for Sales Management: For high performers, opportunities to advance into leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is performance-based: consistently closing deals and generating revenue in a commission structure. Growth opportunities are directly tied to mastering sales processes and maximizing the potential within an assigned territory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Methodology: "Describe your consultative sales process for high-ticket items. How do you uncover client needs and tailor your pitch?" (Prepare to walk through your approach step-by-step, highlighting value articulation.)

• Closing & Objection Handling: "Tell me about a time you had to overcome significant objections to close a deal. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on value selling and closing techniques.)

• Pipeline Management: "How do you manage your sales pipeline and ensure consistent follow-up with leads and issued quotes? What tools or strategies do you use?" (Emphasize CRM usage, prioritization, and systematic follow-up.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "What motivates you in a commission-based sales role? Why are you drawn to in-home sales?" (Align your answer with the company's performance-driven culture and the nature of the role.)

• Teamwork: "This role requires supporting nearby territories. How do you approach collaboration with colleagues, even when working autonomously?" (Highlight your willingness to contribute to broader team goals.)

• Product/Industry Interest: "What interests you about our products (retractable awnings, sunscreens) and the outdoor living market?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the industry.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantifiable Results: Lead with your strongest sales achievements, backed by numbers (e.g., "Achieved 130% of quota last year," "Average deal size of $X").

• Case Studies: Select 1-2 compelling examples of challenging sales you've successfully closed. Structure them using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on your specific actions and the positive outcomes.

• Value Selling Emphasis: Clearly articulate how you demonstrate value and justify premium pricing in your presentations.

• CRM Process: Be ready to explain your CRM management process, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness in pipeline control.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a proven ability to close deals, manage a sales pipeline effectively, and thrive in a commission-only or heavily commission-based environment. Specific examples and quantifiable results will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Hunter Douglas jobs portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in high-ticket, consultative sales, closing achievements, CRM management, and territory ownership. Quantify your successes whenever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of successful sales (case studies), documented revenue achievements, and a clear explanation of your sales process and CRM utilization.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your sales methodology, closing techniques, and objection-handling strategies, using specific examples. Practice your presentation skills for potential mock sales scenarios.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hunter Douglas and SPF Screens & Awnings' products, market position, and company values to demonstrate your interest and alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.